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Illinois Valley

The Z-Tour to ride June 21 in Princeton

Charity event will support the Zearing Child Enrichment Center

Bicyclists from all over came to ride for the 12th Annual Z Tour Bike Ride on Saturday, June 22, 2024 to support the Zearing Child Enrichment Center in Princeton.

Registration is open for the 13th annual Z Tour Bike Ride rolling into Princeton on Saturday, June 21.

This charity ride supports the Zearing Child Enrichment Center while offering some of the best cycling routes in North-Central Illinois — featuring scenic roads, rolling hills and peaceful stretches along Bureau Creek and the Hennepin Canal.

The 2025 ride routes are well-marked and fully supported. All routes begin and end at Princeton’s Zearing Park.

White Route, 10 miles: A great option for families and newer riders, featuring a rest stop at Hornbaker Gardens. Marked with white bikes.


Green Route, 30 miles: A scenic ride through the countryside at a relaxed pace. Marked with green bikes.


Blue Route, 50 miles: A balanced challenge, offering all the beauty of the 30-mile route with extra miles for those wanting more. Marked with blue bikes.

Yellow Route, 66 miles: For those looking to push themselves with rolling hills and an extra rest stop. Marked with yellow bikes.

Polka-Dot Route, 64 miles (Mixed Surface): A gravel adventure with pavement, dirt, and maybe a little mud. Minimum 28c tires recommended. Marked with red bikes.

Routes may change before the event. The 100-mile route will not be available this year.

Follow the Z-Tour on Facebook at facebook.com/ztourbikeride for updates and at ztour.org.

You can register online before midnight on June 19 for faster check-in and lower pricing. Walk-up registration is available from 5 to 8 a.m. Friday and 5:45 to 9 a.m. Saturday, but there will be longer wait times.

Check in at Zearing Park is required for safety. All other riders should start no later than 9 a.m. Helmets are required.

A light breakfast will be offered from 5:45 to 11 a.m. at Zearing Park.

Meal tickets will be distributed at check-in and for the end-of-ride meal at Beef and Ag Days at Soldiers and Sailors Park

Kevin Hieronymus

Kevin Hieronymus

Kevin has been sports editor of the BCR since 1986 and is Sports Editor of Putnam County Record. Was previously sports editor of the St. Louis Daily News and a regular contributor for the St. Louis Cardinals Magazine. He is a member of the IBCA and Illinois Valley Hall of Fames. He is one of 4 sportswriters from his tiny hometown Atlanta, IL